Supporting Homesick University Students: A Parent's Essential Guide
Helping your Student Adjust to University Life
The transition to university can be a time of mixed emotions for new students. Feeling homesick is totally normal. It's just one part of dealing with the departure of a familiar environment and stepping into a world of sudden independence - which is both exhilarating and scary!
As the excitement mounts in the build-up to departure, and you’re preparing what to take to university (with our essential packing lists, of course!), it's important to remember that all students will feel homesick at some point or another, but this will usually subside as they settle in and find their feet in their new environment.
As a parent, knowing how to help your homesick child can make a world of difference in a student's transition to university life.
Jump to:
Understanding why Students feel Homesick at University
Navigating the transition: Dealing with Homesickness Challenges
For many university students, feeling homesick isn't just about missing home; it's more about the shift from the routine and comfort they have left behind to a world of sudden independence, with no-one telling them when to get up or go to bed. It's the little things, like craving a favourite meal or a familiar routine. For students, feeling homesick is an inevitable and normal part of adjusting to the university environment.
Managing the emotional rollercoaster of homesickness
After the excitement of moving in and being swept up in the wave of Freshers’ Week inductions and parties, students may suddenly get a touch of the blues. It is common for them to experience fear or anxiety, and even self-doubt, predicting the worst about their social or academic abilities.
With a little bit of patience and reassurance, these emotions can be managed.
It can be difficult to judge from an emotional phone call if a student is really struggling or if they're just having a challenging day. The hustle and bustle of campus life, coupled with the sudden introduction to independence; thinking about meals, transport, and finances, can be very overwhelming.
As a parent, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings without getting swept up in the drama. Remember, these emotions and homesickness are only temporary and will subside as your student settles into their new life at university.
Building Resilience: Strategies for Easing Homesickness
Easing into University Life: How to Build Resilience
Think of adjusting to university life as stepping into a cold swimming pool - the initial shock fades as they get used to the water. Similarly, your student will become more comfortable as they immerse themselves in coursework and campus activities. Encourage them to join clubs, sports teams or any group that piques their interest. This active participation is key to building resilience and feeling more comfortable in their surroundings and less homesick.
One of the best ways to ease into campus life is sign up for activities and make new friends.
Practical Strategies to Help your Student Deal with Homesickness
What to do when your child is homesick at university
Here are some proactive steps you can take to help ease your student's transition to campus life:
Expect adjustment and embrace the discomfort: Feeling homesick is to be expected from a university student - it is a natural reaction to the unknown and a new setting. Remind your child that this discomfort is temporary and part of their growth. Set a timeline for their adjustment and give them a sense of direction without rushing to their rescue at every emotional call.
Stay empathetic but don't overstep: You're used to teenage emotions by now! Like when they were toddlers, don't succumb to the tantrums! If your student calls in tears, listen with empathy, but resist the urge to fix everything. Sometimes they just need to vent. Instead of offering solutions, ask guiding questions that help them find their own answers. This approach encourages independence and resilience.
Encourage exploration and stay busy: One of the best ways to combat homesickness is through engagement. Encourage your student to explore their new environment - whether it's trying a new café, joining a club or attending campus events. Keeping them busy will help shift their focus from what they're missing to what they're gaining.
Create a new comfort zone - establish a routine: Suggest that your student establish a new routine to create a sense of stability. Whether it's setting up a cosy study space or finding a local favourite, these small actions can make their new environment feel more like home.
Try texting instead of talking - manage anxiety through communication: If your student is particularly anxious and calls several times a day, consider reducing the amount of time you spend on the phone, and text instead. Sometimes hearing your voice can increase feelings of homesickness. Short, encouraging texts can provide comfort without increasing their longing for home.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Don't Rush Major Changes at Home
When I left home, my mum redesigned my bedroom into her arts and crafts room. It was her dream and my nightmare! It was also her way of encouraging me to move on with my life.
While it may be tempting to rearrange their room the moment they leave, hold off on any drastic changes. Knowing that their space is intact can give them a sense of security as they adjust to university life. Sudden changes can feel like they're losing their safe haven just when they need it most.
Support without Smothering: Balancing Your Role as a Parent
Support is important for any young adult in university, especially as they find their feet in an unfamiliar environment. It is important to maintain a balance between being supportive and encouraging them to be independent. Encourage your child to seek support on campus - whether that is confiding in roommates, hanging out with team mates, or seeking guidance from a student counsellor.
Universities are generally supportive in providing specialized resources on campus, such as mental health support, to provide qualified assistance to those in need.
Ultimately, as a parent, you want to do the best for your child. There are no fixed rules when it comes to contact. You need to judge what feels right for you. Be mindful of signs of depression, and don't cut the cord too abruptly.
Avoid expressing how much you miss them too often, as this can make their homesickness worse. Instead send a care package and find a balance between support and encouraging independence - to remind them of home without pulling them back. I used to send Amazon shopping packages filled with treats and essentials like washing powder or teabags!
Homesickness is common and your guidance will help your student through this phase. The vast majority adjust with a little time and support.
Want more tips and insightful guidance to support your journey on all things university-related? Sign up below to receive our newsletter to help you on your way!
Scan our QR codes below and follow us on social media to stay updated with tips and tricks!
We would really appreciate a Google review to help us grow the business and make ourselves known. If you could take a minute to leave us a 5* review, we'd appreciate it! 🥰
Â
© 2024 FROMHIGHSCHOOLTOUNI LTD
All rights reserved
留言